On a day when high school and community college student-athletes across the country signed letters of intent, the College of the Canyons football team had one player who inked on Wednesday, this in addition to two others who signed prior to National Signing Day.

The Cougars’ most anticipated recruit from the 2011 team, offensive lineman Will Latu, decided to take his talents to the University of Oklahoma. Latu’s decision came after he contemplated offers from West Virginia University and Auburn University last year.

Cougar head football coach Garett Tujague was elated at the news.

“We are excited for Will’s decision, considering he had no Division I options after high school,” Tujague said. “To go from a Division II school to a premier community college program, to a formidable BCS (Bowl Championship Series) school, has got to be exciting.”

Latu spent two seasons with the College of the Canyons after transferring from Division II Northern State University in South Dakota.

Sophomore defensive lineman Nick Oliva and sophomore wide receiver Frankie Madero have already transferred from College of the Canyons, having signed letters of intent to play for New Mexico State and Dixie State College of Utah, respectively.

Oliva was the Cougars’ anchor among a group of defensive linemen who were all first-year freshmen. Oliva, a 2011 Defensive First-Team All-Conference honoree, recorded 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season and is the only other COC player from last year’s squad to transfer to a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision school thus far.

Madero had 11 catches for 117 yards and a score in 2011 while nursing an injury, but had 26 receptions for 285 yards during his freshman campaign.

Tujague expects more COC student-athletes to sign letters of intent following the completion of the spring and summer semesters.